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Hicks Canyon Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 58 Google reviews · Running trail in Irvine, California · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Hicks Canyon Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

MixedScenicStroller / ADARestroomsWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Paved or dirt path through a park and between residential areas for walking and biking.

What runners say about Hicks Canyon Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (58 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“The trails are charming, nestled between beautiful homes and accessible to mainly the local residents but is open to the public.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“If you are looking for a nice quiet trail to walk on in Irvine, you’ve found the right trail.”

👟 good for all levels 4 mentions

“Hicks Canyon Trail is a nice walking trail appropriate for all levels.”

If you like an easy tranquil walk , this trail is the best. Super cute very nice people on trail. Options to walk on asphalt but be cautious also bike trail. I recommend the dirt path (for hike feel).

★★★★★ — Carolina , Apr 2025

If you are looking for a nice quiet trail to walk on in Irvine, you’ve found the right trail. Hicks Canyon Trail is a great trail for walking, running, jogging and even bike riding. The trails are charming, nestled between beautiful homes and accessible to mainly the local residents but is open to the public.

★★★★★ — Em , Mar 2025

Hicks Canyon Trail is a nice walking trail appropriate for all levels. DO NOT follow the google directions though. It takes you to a gated neighborhood you cannot enter. Park at Hicks Canyon Park or at Meadowood Park.

★★★★☆ — Tatiana , Aug 2020

One of the many great trails in Irvine. Many trails branch off, and at the end Jeffrey Open Space trail is only a block away.

★★★★★ — Frank , May 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 58 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 7 mentions

“The trails are charming, nestled between beautiful homes and accessible to mainly the local residents but is open to the public.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 6 mentions

“There is a paved path and a non paved path throughout the trail so it is good for walking, biking, horses, and wheelchairs.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“If you are looking for a nice quiet trail to walk on in Irvine, you’ve found the right trail.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“I recommend the dirt path (for hike feel).”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“Plenty of bathroom choices, starting at Hicks Canyon Park.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“The trails are charming, nestled between beautiful homes and accessible to mainly the local residents but is open to the public.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“There are water fountains at the park at thend but nothing else.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

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Plan your run at Hicks Canyon Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.

Where to find Hicks Canyon Trail

Hicks Canyon Trail, Irvine, CA 92620

Get directions

Running trails near Irvine

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Hicks Canyon Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 490 reviews

Irvine, CA

Urban green space featuring soccer & baseball fields, a playground & hiking/horse trail access.

under a mile away

Jeffrey Open Space Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 511 reviews

Irvine, CA

PavedScenic

Approximately 5-mi. paved trail through parkland for walking, jogging & cycling.

1.2 miles away

West Irvine Trail

4.4 ★★★★☆ 47 reviews

Irvine, CA

1.7 miles away

Citrus Ranch Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 755 reviews

Tustin, CA

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Park with a lemon orchard, a playground, picnic areas with grills & a hilltop gazebo with views.

1.9 miles away

Tustin Sports Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 538 reviews

Tustin, CA

ShadedLit

Athletic complex with basketball & tennis courts, baseball & soccer fields & a shaded playground.

2.0 miles away

Cedar Grove Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 576 reviews

Tustin, CA

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Family-friendly park with playgrounds and covered picnic areas, plus a basketball area.

2.2 miles away

All running trails in Irvine, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.